Millions of people have seen Stan Lee in his quirky background appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or know him as the co-creator of some of the most iconic characters in comic book history.

Now, at a new Exhibit in the Comic-Con Museum, they can see a rarely portrayed side of him, the editor whose decisions and influence changed the landscape of comics.

“One of the things that makes him so unique is that the comic book industry never had a greater spokesperson,” lead curator Michael Uslan said.

“Excelsior! The Life and Legacy of Stan Lee,” opened Tuesday at the museum.

Known around the world by the pen name Stan Lee, Stanley Martin Lieber was a leading figure of Marvel Comics for decades and is credited for shepharding the creation of characters such as Spider-Man, Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men. He passed away Nov. 12, 2018.

To organize the extensive life and legacy of Lee into a single exhibit was no simple endeavor. The museum worked with Kartoon Studios, which controls Lee’s likeness and post-Marvel work. Uslan, an executive producer for movies like “Batman” and “The Lego Movie,” was a confidante and colleague of Lee, making his curation a more personal experience.

But his connection to the comic book legend goes back much further.

Uslan first met Lee on a trip to New York City when he an eager 11-year-old, searching for the Fantastic Four headquarters he had seen in the comics. Upon finding out it was not real, his mother climbed into a phone booth to call Marvel Comics.

To make up for the disappointment, Flo Steinberg, Stan Lee’s secretary, extended an invitation instead.

“Flo, took us by the hand, took us through Marvel and there we met Stan Lee and Jack Kirby who signed my comic book,” Uslan shared. “And that was it for me, Stan Lee was my idol.”

Uslan later began teaching the world’s first accredited college course on comic books at Indiana University, Lee called to congratulate him and ask how he could help.

Over time, Uslan said he and Lee worked together on Marvel animations, collaborations with DC Comics, and at the end of Lee’s life, he helped organize the funeral, which he said helped to shape his approach to curating the exhibit.

Also helping with curation were his son and the Comic-Con Museum team, along with Kartoon Studios. At the opening on Tuesday, fans of all ages eagerly entered the exhibit room to witness a collection ready to rival any major auction house.

On display were photographs, sketches and other artwork and comic books in the genres of western, mystery, and even horror.

Uslan advises fans to pay special attention to the display of the comic book “Tales to Astonish, No. 27,” saying that the issue is unique for introducing a superhero character within the mystery genre who ultimately became Ant Man. It was a milestone that guided Marvel to the beloved superhero-oriented studio of today.

Also at the museum, fans can see artwork from the DC and Marvel collaboration series, “Just Imagine Universe,” in which Lee introduced his version of a more ethnically diverse Justice League.

“Stan Lee was ahead of his time and very, very sensitive toward diversity and inclusion, always wanting to stay current and not to be considered retro,” Uslan said.

Though the exhibit focuses mostly on Lee’s remarkable accomplishments, there are also more complicated part of Lee’s legacy, including disputes over his creative contributions, as well as other lawsuits.

Uslan explained that the exhibit not only focuses on Lee but, “all of his co-creators that created the Marvel age of comics.”

“It wasn’t just a one person operation it was everybody pitching in and the results were historic,” Uslan said.

For those who venture to the museum, two other new exhibits to check out feature anime. The “My Hero Academia” installation has murals of the characters and a statue of an epic fight scene. There is also a gallery of artwork from the 25th anniversary of “Cowboy Bebop.”

Excelsior! The Life and Legacy of Stan Lee exhibit

When: Open 10 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday

Where: Balboa Park, 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego.

Tickets: General admission is $25, discounts may be available

Online: comicconmuseum.org